Niche Perfumes That'll Set You Apart From the Crowd
Don't smell like everyone else.
![Niche perfumes](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QgZfzmigs8Y6dVR65nYtyJ-415-80.jpeg)
As I've gotten older, I've realized that in most aspects of my life, I don't have to have a knee-jerk hate-reaction to popular things. In my teens, I thought I was sooo cool because I liked the stuff that no one else liked. This mindset held me back from publicly loving Gossip Girl; realizing that Harry Styles is actually talented; and buying an iPhone. However, if there's one area in my life where I still like to push back against the mainstream, it's fragrance. Don't get me wrong, I love Santal 33 and Chanel No. 5 as much as the next girl. But I still feel embarrassed when someone comes up to me and correctly guesses my fragrance. A girl's signature scent is very personal, but I'm going to put aside my pride and share with you some of my all-time favorite, no-one-will-ever-guess-what-you're-wearing perfumes. From the chic to the weird to the absurd, these are the 6 best fragrances that no one you know wears.
Most beauty lovers are familiar with diptyque. But I can safely say I had never heard of this fragrance before stepping into their NYC boutique. Post-purchase, my perfume-ambivalent boyfriend asked, "Why do you smell like an airplane?" Mint is one of my all-time favorite scents, but it's so rarely included in perfumes. Contrary to my man's opinion, I think this fragrance is fresh, slightly masculine, and perfect for all seasons.
19-69 is my go-to spot for fragrances. There's not a bad one in the entire mix. Between this scent and CHRONIC, a slightly marijuana-reminiscent fragrance, I could easily wear nothing else. KASBAH plays on my romantic image of fall and wintertime, reminding me of warm apple cider with a shot of bourbon and a cinnamon stick. Each scent in the 19-69 collection has a story behind it; I recommend that everyone buys a sampler kit before picking their favorites, because there are just so many good ones.
A fun fact for you: The Swedes know how to make good perfumes. Stora Skuggan is the perfect example of this phenomenon. I'll admit that I was first attracted to the brand because of their stellar packaging that infinitely upgrades the look of my bathroom sink. But you'll find that there's no occasion where you wouldn't want to wear this. Mistpouffer is a very enigmatic scent, with notes that include smoke vetiver and fig leaf pine.
If you've ever wanted to smell like a French movie star in the '60s without the nicotine addiction, this perfume will give you that chance, minus the harmful substances. Old Hollywood glamor is my soft spot, only I never got around to buying a mink shawl. With notes of jasmine, tobacco, apricot, and musk, among others, you'll smell like a luxurious starlet lighting a Virginia Slims cigarette before getting into a big, public fight with a producer.
Serge Lutens is no stranger to unusual perfumes, as evidenced by Dent de Lait, which smells like losing your first tooth. What does that smell like, you ask? Apparently, like milk, metal, and almonds. If you want to recapture that memory of losing your first tooth (for me: on a drive to go skiing while eating mini Oreos) in a chic way, spritz this on and take a walk down memory lane.
Picture this: You're escaping from prison, on horseback, chasing a train, with a pistol. Maybe Clint Eastwood is there, who's to say? This perfume, like all of D.S. & Durga's fragrances, captures the essence of that experience without smelling like sweat and horses. Instead, the fragrance notes are of wild grasses and flowers, which is slightly more appealing. If you've ever wanted to take a walk on the wild side, this perfume will transport you there.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Tatjana Freund is a Beauty Commerce Writer, covering makeup, skincare, and haircare products and trends. She's a fan of vodka tonics and creepy Wikipedia pages.
-
Zendaya Delivers a Podium-Worthy Pre-Olympics Gown
She's shining brighter than the City of Lights.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
'Love Island USA' Star Kenny Rodriguez Is Not "Playing Around" with His and JaNa Craig's Romance Outside of the Villa
The prince and princess of season 6 have remained the cutest couple since filming wrapped.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
So Many Celebrity Beauty Favorites Are in Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
Shop Jennifer Lopez, Meghan Markle, and Kaia Gerber's beloved picks.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
This Valentino Perfume Is the Best Fragrance of 2024, According to Beauty Experts
It's a layerable, floral fragrance.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
Is Colostrum the New Collagen?
Doctors and wellness professionals have a lot to say about TikTok's supplement of the moment.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
TikTok Is Making "Unsexy" Beauty Products Seem Very Appealing
There's more to worthwhile products than pretty packaging.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Fendi's First Fragrances Are Designed for Fashion Obsessives
It's finally available to shop.
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
Why Beauty Experts Are Calling Out Youthforia's New Foundation
This isn't the way to do inclusive shades.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
The 32 Best Hair Growth Shampoos of 2024, According to Experts
Rapunzel hair, coming right up.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
The 20 Best Hair Masks for Damaged Hair, According to Experts and Editors
Healthy strands, here we come!
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated
-
How Often You Should Wash Your Hair, According To Experts
Keep it fresh, my friends.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published